Upcoming Performances

Described by The New York Times as an “ambassador for a silenced music,” Amir Vahab is one of New York City’s most commemorated deliverers of Sufi music and poetry. The
ensemble, formed by Amir Vahab in 1981, seeks to bridge an understanding between different
cultures in the world through the embodiment of the mystical magic that is Sufi poetry.
Amir Vahab's music is rooted in tradition, but has been influenced by contemporary
sounds; like Amir himself, his music symbolizes diversity-in-unity. He aims to transport
the listener into a spiritual existence in 13th century Persia through his performance:
"Sufi Songs of Love"selected from the poetry of the great Sufi Masters Rumi, Hafiz and Yunus.

The lively folk and traditional music features the ethereal sounding ney (mystical reed flute), tar (instrument of lovers), oud (the short neck lute), tanbour (ancient sacred lute), saz (seven-stringed long neck lute), daf (large frame drum used for Sufi rituals), and tombak (Persian goblet drum). The concert concludes with a dynamic drumming performance
that echoes the universal heartbeat of existence. Join us at the Wang Center for a
night of magic you will never forget.

The performance will be followed by a conversation with Kanji Shimizu and Professor
Izumi Ashizawa (Stony Brook Department of Theatre Arts)

Noh theater is a vital form of Japanese classical drama that dates back to the ninth
century. Renowned Noh master Kanji Shimizu brings this ancient form to life in a strikingly contemporary fashion in this piece
based on Tomio Tada’s Virgin Mary of Nagasaki, a play that revolves around the atomic bombing of the city. Following the performance,
Shimizu talks about the stylistic and technical aspects of acting in Noh, such as
posture and projection, and will reflect on the continuing relevance of this rich
form.

About the Performer:Kanji Shimizu is a master teacher of Noh at Okinawa City Art University in Japan. He is trained
in traditional Noh, yet also explores its experimental possibilities. Shimizu has
performed at Lublin Music Festival in Poland, Kerala State Performance Festival in
India and the Japan Society in New York City.